(3) 4-6 In an alternate post–World War I Britain, orphan Christopher works as an engineer's assistant, building (and befriending) robot children called "mechanicals." When an accident reveals that Christopher himself is actually a mechanical, he's kidnapped for experimentation. To save him, his friends enlist the help of a reclusive inventor. Robots, magic, and frights combine in this gripping adventure, propelled by the heroes' devoted friendships.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Fifth grader Oliver is obsessed with Tito the Bonecrusher, a former lucha libre wrestler turned action-movie star. When Oliver's father is jailed for tax fraud, he seeks the celebrity's help to break his dad out of prison. Some readers may balk at the naiveté of Oliver's plan and the coincidental plot threads, but Oliver's confusion, anger, and desperation are treated with compassion and authenticity.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Loner Danny forges an unlikely friendship with awkward yet popular Eric. After Danny discovers his new friend is actually an android, the boys seek the truth behind Eric's creation. Alternating between Danny's and Eric's perspectives, this sci-fi mystery explores the possible "humanity" of robots and criticizes rampant consumer culture. Despite a one-dimensional villain and flat supporting characters, the compelling central friendship drives this story.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) K-3 When ghost Simon is assigned to haunt an old house, he's thrilled that an easy-target grandma is moving in. However, her grandson, Chester, is excited, not frightened, by their spectral housemate. Exasperated, Simon tricks Chester into doing "ghost chores" like rattling chains, but they soon discover common interests and become friends. Expressive retro-style illustrations complement the spooky yet humorous tale.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 After moving to a remote Colorado town, Arlo joins the Rangers scouting troop and learns about the hidden magic of nearby Long Woods. Arlo builds confidence and friendships through the Rangers, but when supernatural phenomena strike, he and his troop must work together to make it back home. This intriguing combination of traditional scouting story and supernatural mystery lays the groundwork for future adventures.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Essi Kimpimäki. The informative text of this series entry asks readers basic questions about life on a farm. Shining light behind recto pages reveals animals, buildings, and plants hidden in each full-color picture. Turning the page reveals the black-and-white image answer. While text from each verso page unfortunately shows through, the flashlight gimmick should engage young readers. A final spread provides additional facts about farm life.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. In this entertaining fourth Last Kids on Earth book, Jack plans a makeshift Christmas celebration to cheer up his snowbound friends (and fellow monster-apocalypse survivors). But then a new human villainess kidnaps Jack's friend Dirk for a ritual sacrifice, and Jack and company must prevent her from summoning an evil extra-dimensional entity. Dynamic comic book–style illustrations featured throughout once again support the story's well-rounded characters, humor, and action.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) K-3 National Geographic Kids Chapters series. National Geographic Kids Chapters series. These nonfiction chapter books should appeal to adventure-seekers> Readers follow three exciting stories of river expeditions navigating treacherous waters in Alaska, Africa, and Peru for research and conservation; and three stories of rock climbers setting records scaling the roof of Red Cave in Japan, Castleton Tower in Utah, and Mount Meru in the Himalayas. Engaging photographs and sidebars complement the dynamic texts. Websites, ind.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ipek Konak. The informative text of this series entry asks readers straightforward questions about a hospital. Shining light behind recto pages reveals people, rooms, and belongings hidden in each full-color picture. Turning the page reveals the black-and-white image answer. While text from each verso page unfortunately shows through, the flashlight gimmick should engage young readers. A final spread provides additional facts about hospitals.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie series. Clockwork boy Charlie and his friends reunite with Charlie's brother to search for three magical objects that can defeat the Iron Cog. Assisted by the spirit of Wilhelm Grimm, they travel the globe to stop the sinister organization from conquering the world. A fascinating Victorian-steampunk setting combines with thrilling action and deepening character relationships for a satisfying conclusion to an engaging trilogy.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 1-3 Eerie Elementary series. Illustrated by Matt Loveridge. In Canceled, a planned demolition of Eerie Elementary could spread the spirit Orson Eerie's power through the whole town. In Fired, the school's resident ghost gets the hall-monitor protagonists fired from their duties in an attempt to devour students at the Kickball Showdown. Mild frights abound in these seventh and eighth installments; the creepy atmosphere is bolstered by black-and-white illustrations throughout. Review covers these Eerie Elementary titles: Classes Are Canceled! and The Hall Monitors Are Fired!.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Adventurers Guild series. Half-elf Zed, his human friend Brock, and their fellow guild apprentices are hired by the elf queen to reclaim her ancestral city from an undead sorcerer and his legions. Meanwhile, Zed and Brock's friendship is tested as both boys struggle to keep devastating secrets from each other. Compelling characters, stirring action, creepy enemies, and shocking twists will leave readers eager for the next volume.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Kristine Lombardi. After being stung by a bee, dog Fenway's "Cone of Doom" leaves him unable to "defend" his home from chipmunks (or lick his injured paw). Hardly the ideal patient, Fenway causes mischief until his paw finally heals and the cone is removed. Despite Fenway's repetitive and somewhat annoying antics, dog lovers should enjoy this latest tale from his humorous canine point of view.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Chance intercepts a letter that could save the inhabitants of a secret infirmary for magical creatures. Joined by his skeptical sister, Chance follows a hidden pipe to reach the subterranean hospital, where they work together to save the "nonhumans" and escape to the surface. A warm, genuine sibling relationship anchors this endearingly bizarre adventure featuring a unique setting and fantastic creatures.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Erth Dragons series. The dragon Wearle holds human boy Ren captive, fearing Ren's new abilities now that he's been gifted with dragon powers. While friendly dragon Gabrial hopes to make peace with Ren's tribe, a stranger's plan to resurrect the dragons' ancient enemy could mean disaster for all. Blending mystery, action, and suspense, this worthy sequel to The Wearle will leave readers eager for more. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) PS Illustrated by Omar Lozano. Two girls imagine going about their school and bedtime routines as Wonder Woman and Supergirl, respectively. Comic panels and speech bubbles humorously emphasize differences between real and imaginary scenes (e.g., subduing fire-breathing dragons vs. placating classmates fighting over toy dragons). Featuring racially inclusive casts, these celebrations of preschool independence and playful creativity will delight the youngest superhero fans. "Be a Star" and "Sweet Dreams" checklists included. Review covers these titles: Be a Star, Wonder Woman! and Sweet Dreams, Supergirl.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 A comprehensive guide to the creation of the 2018 film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's classic story. Beginning with L'Engle's background and the genesis of the novel, the text then explores the film's development, including scripting, casting, production design, special effects, and location scouting. Generously illustrated with behind-the-scenes photographs, concept art, and movie stills, this handsome volume should satisfy fans as well as aspiring filmmakers.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Snared series. Orphan "trapsmith" Wily Snare maintains the underground traps guarding a wizard's treasure until eccentric adventurers spring Wily from his dungeon. The group of marauders wants help plundering other protected riches, but instead Wily convinces his new friends to help defeat the Infernal King and his mechanical soldiers. Despite an abrupt resolution, earnest heroism and some entertainingly sinister booby traps elevate this fantasy series-starter.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Newly orphaned Clivo discovers his late father was secretly a cryptid catcher, traveling the world in search of strange, mythological creatures. Hired by his father's employer, Clivo must find the one immortal cryptid and keep it hidden from those seeking its blood to become immortal themselves. This mystery-adventure boasts unusual creatures, oddball supporting characters, and entertaining twists along the way.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Dan spends his time bullying obsessive-compulsive Alex and building a raft designed by Dan's incarcerated older brother. Unaware of the bullying, their parents arrange for the boys to work on the raft together, and they slowly come to understand each other. Alternating between their two perspectives, Foster promotes empathy both for Alex's struggle with severe OCD and the problems fueling Dan's cruel behavior.

Reviewer: Russell Perry